Early Exit Sparks Questions
One of the Barcelona players left very early during the title celebration party at Casanova Beach Club, reports José Álvarez [El Chiringuito]. The program started at 9:00 pm, and the player left the place at 9:47 pm, which again led to speculation regarding his potential transfer this summer.
Celebration Absence Fuels Rumours
The player is French right back Jules Koundé. Koundé was not present in the title celebration of the team after winning the La Liga title, so as per El Chiringuito, Koundé is one key player who could leave this summer for a significant fee.
In previous seasons, Barcelona has also seen several key players leave unexpectedly during the summer transfer window in order to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations and generate funds for new signings. In this summer, Koundé could be the name on that list because he is a highly rated player by European giants even though he had a bitter season.
Barca May Sacrifice Big Name
Kounde joined Barca in 2022 when the club was going through a lot of financial crisis and stood with the team in the struggling phase by handling multiple roles in defense, mainly the right-back role. Barcelona wants to offload some big names to fund the transfer of a striker, winger, and center back, and Premier League clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea are ready to bid for the player whose contract expires in 2030.
Defensive Depth Changes Situation
Barcelona currently have several options for the right-back position, including Eric García, Xavi Espart, João Cancelo, Héctor Fort, and Ronald Araújo. There is also a possibility that the club could target a new right-sided center-back if Hansi Flick gives his approval.
Because of that, Jules Koundé’s situation will be one to closely monitor during the summer transfer window. His performances at the World Cup could play a major role in shaping Barcelona’s final decision regarding his future.
